Three years ago we asked by the Hudson County Animal League to foster a sick dog they had just rescued from an animal cruelty case. After meeting this poor little girl - who was suffering from a bladder stone, untreated thyroid condition and a skin problem so severe she lost all of her hair - we both knew we were going to add her to our family, which includes four other HCAL rescues. We named our little girl Sophie and set out to nurse her back to health.

Between visits to her regular vet, a veterinary dermatologist, and lots and lots of love, Sophie began to get stronger - and prettier - each day. In fact, she won a pet photo contest and was the "cover girl" for a local shelter's calendar! Sadly, last week Sophie's kidneys failed and we had to send her to the Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts are broken, but we are grateful to the Hudson County Animal League for bringing this precious gift to us, albeit for too short a time. Thank you HCAL for bringing us Sophie - and thank you Sophie for bringing such joy into our lives. "Sophie Do, we will always love you!"